What is Diabetes Stigma?
Diabetes stigma refers to the negative attitudes, beliefs, and judgments directed toward people living with diabetes, particularly type 2 diabetes. This stigma often stems from the misconception that diabetes is solely the result of poor lifestyle choices, leading to blame, shame, and discrimination.
People with diabetes may be unfairly labeled as lazy, non-compliant, or responsible for their condition, which can affect how they are treated by healthcare providers, employers, and even friends and family. This stigma can also be internalized, causing feelings of guilt, embarrassment, or low self-worth. As a result, individuals may delay seeking care, avoid disclosing their diagnosis, or experience poorer mental health.
Addressing diabetes stigma requires education, empathy, and a shift in public perception to recognize diabetes as a complex chronic condition influenced by genetic, environmental, and social factors, not just personal behavior.
Why diabetes stigma exists, and how it oversimplifies a complex condition.
Real Canadian stories on the mental health toll of diabetes stigma.
Personal stories from people living with diabetes stigma.
A full library of research and guides on diabetes stigma.
How weight bias affects the care people receive.
How weight bias costs women more in wages and work.
Obesity Canada's free, judgment-free patient community.
Diabetes Canada's official peer-support community.